Ms Hadden said research had showed fluoridated water reduced tooth decay by 40 per cent.

“We shouldn’t be disadvantaged because we live in a beautiful city and our health shouldn’t be disadvantaged,” she said.

“Ballarat is one of three regions in the state that is not fluoridated. I say let’s do it and lets do it sooner rather than later.”

Ballarat West MLA Karen Overington said she supported community consultation.

“I’m in favour of consulting with the community, talking about the benefits of fluoride, listening to the concerns about fluoride and making a decision after that,” she said.

Ballarat joins Geelong on the State Government’s fluoridation hitlist.
Last week, however, Geelong Province MLC Elaine Carbines told the that fluoridating Geelong’s water supply was off the State Government’s agenda.